Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“I’m head of IT.”
“Most brilliant programmer I’ve ever worked with,” I added. “And her systems and security are incredible. I’m constantly fighting off offers to take her away.”
Sam looked impressed. “Wow. Aside from the programs at the hospital, I’m not great with computers.”
“Well, I can’t diagnose an illness. We all have our talents.”
Rylee’s phone buzzed, and she frowned as she read it. “Maggie, I’m sorry. I have to go.”
Magnolia looked disappointed, but she was understanding. “Okay.”
“I need to order an Uber.”
“I can drive you,” Sam offered. “I was leaving.”
“Oh. It might be out of your way.”
“Nope. It’s not.”
“I haven’t said where—”
He stood, offering her his hand. “It’s fine. I’ll drive you.”
“Um, okay.” She accepted his hand and looked at Magnolia. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Magnolia nodded, and I saw the look that passed between them. They were going to be talking hard in the morning. I hoped Magnolia shared. I had no idea what Sam was doing.
They left, and I ordered a coffee. Then I started to laugh.
“What?”
“Sam left. He drove us here.”
Magnolia joined in my amusement.
“I think Rylee bowled him over.”
“Well, at least not literally, like the way you did the first time we met.”
Magnolia rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Bane. I guess you’ll have to slum it on the bus with me home.”
“Nope. I can call an Uber, too, you know. Or Darryl.”
“Or we can walk. Too bad Hedgy isn’t here.”
I grimaced. “He wasn’t impressed earlier.” I showed her the video I had made of our attempted walk. She laughed merrily over Hedgy’s antics.
“Maybe he’ll get used to it.”
“I have a feeling, Maggie darling, as usual, you were right.”
She leaned closer and kissed me. “If we’re getting married, you better get used to it.”
I kissed her back. “I guess so.”
But somehow, the thought didn’t upset me.
MAGNOLIA
I woke up early Monday morning, Bane sitting on the side of the bed, a tray in his hands.
“Hi,” I murmured, sitting up.
He grinned, sliding the tray onto my knees. “I made breakfast. Not as good as yours…”
I smiled at the tray. Toast and coffee. A small container of jam. Some slightly scorched bacon.
“Looks good,” I assured him. I touched the pretty roses in the vase. “Nice touch.”
“Romantic,” he replied.
I laughed, picking up my cup and taking a sip. “Yes, very romantic.”
He handed me a piece of bacon, and I crunched it, the salty flavor helping hide the burned edges.
“Crispy,” I mumbled.
He grimaced. “A little too much. I got distracted.”
“Doing?”
“Taking the thorns off the roses.”
“That was thoughtful.”
He stared at me, his eyes intense. “I know.”
I glanced at the pretty roses, the pink petals soft. I could smell the fragrance. I looked at Bane again. He was watching me, his gaze focused, something in it making me wary. I reached out to touch a petal when I saw it. Between the green foliage was a ring. Sparkling in the low light, simple and elegant. So beautiful, my breath caught.
My gaze flew to meet his. He reached for the flower, letting the ring fall into his palm. Then he reached for my hand, slipping it into place. It fit perfectly, and I stared at it, speechless.
“Alex,” I breathed out.
“Sam had a friend who let me into his store yesterday. I saw this ring and knew it was meant for you.”
I let out a shaky breath. “It’s so lovely.”
He took the tray, placing it on the floor and moving closer. “Marry me, Magnolia. I promise to be the best husband I can be.” He swallowed. “I asked your dad, and he gave me his blessing.”
“What?” I gasped.
“I went to see him on Saturday afternoon. It was good. He recalled meeting me. We talked about you, and I promised to take care of you—make sure you were always looked after. I told him you meant more than anyone else ever had or ever would. That I thought you were incredible. He said that was all he wanted, and he agreed.”
Tears built behind my eyes. “I thought he was mixing things up in his head. He told me he gave a tall man his blessing.”
“No, he really did.”
I burst into tears, and Alex dragged me to his lap. He held me close, letting me get it out.
“He fell asleep while I went to get him a cup of tea,” he told me. “When he woke up, he didn’t remember anymore, but I was okay with that. He thought I was an orderly bringing him the tea. I sat with him for a few moments and left when he fell asleep again.”
“He does that a lot now.”
He held me tighter. “I know.” His voice was low in my ear. “I’ll take care of you, Maggie darling. I promise I’ll try to be everything you need. I adore you. I want a life with you. Please.”
I had already agreed, but I gave him the word he wanted. “Yes.”